Health and Safety policy

Man with Van Hounslow Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Hounslow is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, contractors, and members of the public affected by our removals and transport activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks, preventing accidents, and ensuring safe working practices during every stage of our man and van and removal services.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

Our primary objectives are to prevent injury, protect health, and minimise risks associated with lifting, loading, transport, and delivery of goods. We aim to comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practices. We regularly review our procedures to ensure they remain effective and suitable for the scale and nature of our operations.

Management Responsibilities

Management at Man with Van Hounslow holds overall responsibility for implementing and maintaining this policy. This includes ensuring that risk assessments are carried out, safe systems of work are developed, and that all staff receive appropriate information, instruction, and supervision. Management is responsible for providing suitable equipment, vehicles, and personal protective equipment where required, and for monitoring compliance with this policy.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees, drivers, and porters have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff must follow the training and instructions given, use equipment correctly, report hazards or near misses, and cooperate fully with health and safety procedures. No employee is expected to carry out any task that they believe to be unsafe or beyond their capability.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We conduct risk assessments for our typical removal and transport activities, including manual handling, loading and unloading, driving, working at customers premises, and handling fragile or heavy items. These assessments inform our safe working procedures, which are communicated to all staff. Where specific or unusual risks are identified at a property or site, a dynamic on-site risk assessment will be carried out before work begins.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a key part of our removals and man and van services. To reduce the risk of injury, employees are trained to use correct lifting techniques, assess the weight and stability of items, and seek assistance when needed. We plan lifts to avoid awkward routes, trip hazards, and unnecessary carrying distances. Mechanical aids, skates, trolleys, and straps are used where appropriate to minimise strain and improve safety.

Vehicle Safety and Loading

Our vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition, with regular checks carried out in line with manufacturer guidance and legal requirements. Drivers perform daily walk-around inspections before use and report any defects immediately. Loads are secured using suitable restraints and packing materials to prevent movement during transit. Weight limits are strictly observed to avoid overloading and ensure stability on the road.

Safe Driving and Road Safety

Drivers must follow all road traffic laws, drive to the conditions, and allow extra time for loading and unloading to avoid rushing. Mobile phones or devices must not be used while driving, other than in accordance with hands-free legal requirements. Drivers are expected to plan routes carefully, considering traffic, access restrictions, and parking safety when visiting customers in residential and commercial areas.

Working at Customers Premises

When operating at customers premises, our staff take care to protect people, property, and the working environment. This includes maintaining clear walkways, using protective coverings where appropriate, and communicating with customers about safe access points. Staff must be aware of potential hazards such as stairs, uneven surfaces, low ceilings, and confined spaces, and they must adjust their working methods accordingly.

Use of Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

Any tools, lifting equipment, and accessories are selected, maintained, and used in line with safety guidance. Where required, staff are provided with personal protective equipment such as gloves, high-visibility clothing, and safety footwear. Employees must use all equipment and protective gear as instructed and report any defects or concerns so that remedial action can be taken promptly.

Housekeeping and Prevention of Slips, Trips and Falls

Good housekeeping is essential to prevent accidents. Staff are expected to keep loading and unloading areas tidy, stack items safely, and remove packaging or waste materials promptly. Cables, ramps, and equipment must be positioned to avoid trip hazards. Particular care is taken in narrow corridors, staircases, entrances, and shared accessways commonly encountered during moves.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

We recognise the physical nature of man and van and removal work and encourage staff to look after their health and wellbeing. Employees must present fit for duty and report any condition, illness, or medication that may affect their ability to work safely. We do not tolerate working under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs. Breaks are taken as necessary to prevent fatigue, especially during longer jobs or driving periods.

Training, Information and Supervision

All employees receive induction training that includes health and safety procedures relevant to our services. Ongoing training is provided on manual handling, safe driving, customer care, and use of equipment. Less experienced staff are supervised and supported until they are competent to work independently. Information about hazards and safe methods of work is communicated clearly and updated when procedures change.

Accidents, Incidents and Near Miss Reporting

We actively encourage the reporting of all accidents, incidents, and near misses, no matter how minor they may seem. This information is used to investigate causes, identify trends, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Where appropriate, we will review risk assessments and working methods in light of any incident and share learning points with all staff.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

We consult with our employees about health and safety matters and welcome suggestions for improving working practices. Regular reviews of this policy and associated procedures are carried out to ensure they remain relevant, effective, and aligned with our commitment to safe, reliable removal services across the areas we operate in.

Policy Review

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed periodically, and whenever there are significant changes to our operations or relevant legislation. Updated versions are communicated to staff and made available to customers upon request, reflecting our ongoing commitment to safety in every aspect of our man and van and removal services.